A big Growing Chefs WELCOME to our newest team member! We’re so lucky to have you JAY!
Hey y’all! My name is Jay (Jana) and I am so excited to be a part of the Growing Chefs team as Programs Coordinator/Chef Educator. The first time I heard about this amazing organization I was feeling a bit unfulfilled and was wanting to find ways to give back to my community. As I sat in a diner in East Van, scrolling Instagram, I saw a call out for volunteers. I did a bit of research and found that Growing Chefs would combine my love of food and my love of working with kids into one! I knew I had to apply to be a part of it. That was in 2018 and I have enjoyed volunteering with Growing Chefs ever since.
I have made a career of working in restaurants in a variety of positions. I have served, cooked, bartended, and managed in a variety of settings, but a couple of years ago I got the opportunity to run a series of children’s cooking classes over the summer. I was able to develop multiple age-appropriate menus and oversaw the classes. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done!
My love of food wasn’t sparked until I was in my mid-20s. Until then, I’d worked in restaurants primarily for the social aspect of connecting with my coworkers and community. It wasn’t until I went away to work in a remote camp in Alberta that I discovered my love for creating delicious food. That job also gave me the freedom to start travelling and discovering other cultures and their foods. Thai street food will always have a special place in my heart.
Once I settled back in Vancouver I brought two special little creatures into my life. I adopted bonded Boston Terriers named Bobby and Dana and they became my world. I wanted to be the best pet parent that one could be. Dana still remains with me to this day and she now has a new brother, Theo the kitten. On top of being a pet parent I also enjoy playing team sports. In the fall and winter I play dodgeball and in the spring and summer I play softball. If I am not snuggling my animals or playing a sport you will likely find me in my kitchen creating food for the folks I love or else working on a puzzle.
